Todd Shearer

Samaritan’s Purse Deploys to Help Florida Flood Victims

Samaritan's Purse disaster response specialists and a disaster relief unit stocked with supplies deploy to New Port Richey, Florida, where more rain is now drenching already flooded areas.

Initial reports estimate more than 400 homes and structures have been damaged by the floodwaters. The North Carolina-based international Christian relief organization will work with volunteers to help flood victims.

“Our hearts go out to the flood victims whose lives have been turned upside down and who have lost so many personal belongings,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan's Purse. “We will work to help families with cleanup and let them know that God is with them in their time of need."

Utilizing its network of volunteers, Samaritan's Purse teams will clean mud out of flooded houses and remove waterlogged belongings. They will also tear out damaged drywall, insulation and flooring, and spray for mold so families can begin to rebuild their lives. The volunteers will play a crucial role in helping Pasco County families recover from the devastating floods.

The Samaritan’s Purse disaster relief unit is a tractor-trailer stocked with heavy-duty tarps, generators, and other tools and supplies for the cleanup efforts. This unit will serve as the command center and will be based at Living Word Church in New Port Richey, Florida.

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES

Todd Taylor, assistant manager of U.S. Disaster Relief for Samaritan's Purse, who is on the ground in Pasco County and managing the organization’s response, is available for Skype or phone interviews.

Tim Haas, manager of U.S. Disaster Relief for Samaritan’s Purse, who is coordinating relief efforts from the organization’s North Carolina headquarters is available for Skype or phone interviews.

A team of chaplains from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s Rapid Response Team has also deployed to the disaster area. They will be working alongside Samaritan’s Purse to share the love of Christ, providing spiritual encouragement and support to victims and their families.

Since 1998, Samaritan’s Purse has helped more than 29,000 families in 35 U.S. states following floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, fires and ice storms. Earlier this year the organization’s U.S. disaster team responded to the massive flooding in Texas and also provided aid to victims of the deadly tornadoes in Oklahoma and ice storms in Tennessee.